Chapter Six - Project Execution

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the project execution phase of building offshore wind farms. The wind farm owner audits the main suppliers with whom she is directly contracting, who in turn audit and survey their contractors. On-hire surveying of all suppliers is carried out both on their premises, if they are supplying materials and/or components, and when arriving onsite to deliver components or services. The performance of an audit is extremely important for the installation vessel and so the owner or main client will access the vessel with a team of marine experts in order to look after various issues related to certificates and permits, operation manual, project-specific method statement, working instructions, and fuel and lube gauging. The project commences after the on-hire survey is properly carried out and the points are identified in the on-hire survey which need to be rectified prior to the start of the project start. The first work to be carried out is the loading of the initial components such as foundations. Care and attention should be taken to make the operation run smoothly so that the installation vessel can load, seafasten, and exit the port in the shortest possible time. Prior to commencement of any work, the offshore site must be prepared and the area should be clearly designated with navigational aids such as buoys and other markings. Seabed scan, cone penetration test (CPT), and core drillings are carried out. The project-monitoring program is set up in a number of parallel sequences to state the progress of work and whether the project is on time or not.